Grant Curnow then went on to accuse local MP Derek Thomas of being anonymous in the town, and told him his Liberal Democrat rival Andrew George would be a 'much better bet.'

The exchange took place at the end of Mr Johnson's visit to the town this lunchtime, and ended with angry words exchanged between Mr Curnow and Mr Johnson's team.

Boris Johnson and Derek Thomas in St Ives

Mr Johnson had been speaking to the press at the end of his walkabout when Mr Curnow appeared.

Boris Johnson in St Ives

As he told journalists how delighted he was to be supporting Derek Thomas, Mr Curnow broke in to tell him: "We have never seen that man since he was elected. He made so many promises, we have not heard from him since.

"I am sorry, but Andrew George is a much better bet."

As Mr Johnson walks away, Mr Curnow could be heard shouting: "You lied to us Boris, you lied about the money."